Ronnie O'Sullivan on North Wales event: "We have to be grateful for tournaments like this"

O'Sullivan said: "Oh, don't talk to me about that venue it was like a cross between an aircraft hanger and a shopping centre. There was so much going on I felt like I was at Terminal 5 whereas here it's unbelievable.

"We have to be grateful for tournaments like this when they come along and make the most of it."

Ronnie O'Sullivan on match official Marcel Eckardt: "He probably cost me two or three centuries"

But it wasn't all praise from the 39-year-old as he also launched a scathing attack on match official Marcel Eckardt.

The five-time World Champion said: "The referee out there tonight was as bad as ever. He probably cost me two or three centuries out there when he kept getting in my way.

"I think he needs to up his game or someone should show him where he should or shouldn't be. It was lucky the frame was over but it's still not the point - I'm out to entertain, to do a job and the crowd want to see century breaks but if the referee keeps getting in my way and treading on my feet it doesn't help.

"I had to tell him a couple of times to get out of the way so I'm a little bit disappointed on that point but pleased to have got the win and be in the next round"

The Daily Post will be bringing full-coverage of the event throughout the week online, in paper and via social media.